News for 'Estimates Committee'

Inflation to further decline, assures Sitharaman

Inflation to further decline, assures Sitharaman

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday exuded confidence that inflation would further decline and the government is on track to meet its budgetary target for deficit and said that there is no fear of stagflation in India. Replying to the debate on first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants 2022-23 in Lok Sabha, the finance minister said inflation has come down and it is now in the tolerable band of the RBI. Inflation has been declining since April 2022 and it is declining further, she said.

Manpower shortage affects I-T operations

Manpower shortage affects I-T operations

Rediff.com2 Jun 2021

The vacancies are learnt to be impacting the I-T department's day-to-day functioning.

Modi to launch 5G services on Oct 1

Modi to launch 5G services on Oct 1

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the much-awaited 5G services in India on October 1, 2022, an official release said on Friday. According to the release, 5G to be launched by the Prime Minister in select cities, will progressively cover the entire country over the next couple of years. The cumulative economic impact of 5G on India is estimated to reach $450 billion by 2035. Capable of supporting ultra-high-speed internet services, the fifth generation or 5G is expected to unleash new economic opportunities and societal benefits, serving as a transformational force for Indian society.

Ban on single-use plastic items kicks in

Ban on single-use plastic items kicks in

Rediff.com1 Jul 2022

The ban on certain single-use plastic (SUP) items kicks in from Friday, with state governments initiating an enforcement campaign to identify and close down units engaging in production, distribution, stocking and sale of such items, officials said. Though several manufacturers have said they are not prepared to implement the ban due to a lack of alternatives, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had on Tuesday said the government had given enough time to the industry and the general public to prepare for the ban on SUP items and it hopes for everyone's cooperation in implementing it from July 1. Violation of the ban will invite punitive action, including a fine or a jail term or both, detailed under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) and under bylaws of respective municipal corporations, officials in the Union environment ministry said.

RBI keeps interest rates unchanged for 5th time in a row

RBI keeps interest rates unchanged for 5th time in a row

Rediff.com7 Apr 2021

The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday expectedly left interest rates unchanged and maintained an accommodative stance as the economy faces a renewed threat to growth due to the resurgence of coronavirus cases.

NSE MD & CEO Vikram Limaye says not seeking second term

NSE MD & CEO Vikram Limaye says not seeking second term

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

NSE managing director and CEO Vikram Limaye on Wednesday said that he will not seek a second term at the stock exchange when his five-year term ends in July. This comes amid the National Stock Exchange (NSE) facing the regulatory probe in a case related to governance lapses at the bourse as well as in the co-location matter. "I have informed the board that I am not interested in pursuing a second term and will therefore not be applying and participating in the process that is underway. My tenure ends on July 16, 2022," Limaye said in a statement.

After Amazon, Flipkart fined for allowing sale of poor quality cookers

After Amazon, Flipkart fined for allowing sale of poor quality cookers

Rediff.com18 Aug 2022

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on e-commerce firm Flipkart for allowing sale of substandard domestic pressure cookers on its platform, in violation of mandatory standards. Headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare, the CCPA has directed Flipkart to recall all such 598 pressure cookers sold on its platform, reimburse their buyers, and submit a compliance report within 45 days. The central government routinely notifies the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), specifying compulsory conformity to a standard and use of the standard mark for a product to protect consumers from the risk of suffering injury and harm and in the interest of the public at large.

COVID-19 impact: How India Inc is gearing up to tackle unforeseen risks

COVID-19 impact: How India Inc is gearing up to tackle unforeseen risks

Rediff.com23 Jan 2021

Companies are looking to combine risk management with strategy.

Retail price inflation not to fall below RBI's 6% mandate any time soon

Retail price inflation not to fall below RBI's 6% mandate any time soon

Rediff.com26 Mar 2022

However, it may still not change its stance on the policy rate as inflationary pressures are coming from high commodity prices.

China launched 11 missiles towards Taiwan overnight: US

China launched 11 missiles towards Taiwan overnight: US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday directed that the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the ships in her strike group will remain on station in the general area to monitor the situation.

LIC mega IPO to hit the market in March, draft prospectus next week

LIC mega IPO to hit the market in March, draft prospectus next week

Rediff.com2 Feb 2022

The government is likely to file draft papers for the mega initial public offering of LIC with market regulator Sebi by next week, while a portion of the issue would be reserved for anchor investors, a top official said on Wednesday.

Chacha Chaudhary declared Namami Gange mascot

Chacha Chaudhary declared Namami Gange mascot

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

Indian comic book character Chacha Chaudhary has been declared as the mascot of the government's Namami Gange Programme with an aim of bringing behavioural change among children towards the Ganga and other rivers.

IMF slashes India growth projection

IMF slashes India growth projection

Rediff.com27 Jul 2022

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday slashed India's growth forecast for 2022-23 (FY23) by 80 basis points to 7.4 per cent, citing less favourable external conditions and rapid policy tightening by the central bank. In its update to the April World Economic Outlook, the IMF said that though a global recession in 2022 was ruled out with a growth estimate of 3.2 per cent, the balance of risks was squarely to the downside, driven by a wide range of factors that could adversely affect the global economic performance. "The risk of recession is particularly prominent in 2023, when in several economies growth is expected to bottom out, household savings accumulated during the pandemic will have declined, and even small shocks could cause economies to stall.

'Deeply concerned' about security of Chinese in Pakistan, Xi tells Sharif

'Deeply concerned' about security of Chinese in Pakistan, Xi tells Sharif

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

On his maiden visit to Beijing, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which the two leaders agreed to strengthen the all-weather friendship and the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

RBI wants government to cut fuel tax to ease inflation

RBI wants government to cut fuel tax to ease inflation

Rediff.com6 Feb 2021

'Pump prices of petrol and diesel have reached historical highs. An unwinding of taxes on petroleum products by both the Centre and the states could ease the cost-push pressures,' the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has said.

BMC unveils Rs 33,441 cr budget; no change in taxes

BMC unveils Rs 33,441 cr budget; no change in taxes

Rediff.com4 Feb 2020

A 5 per cent increase in fees for various licences has been proposed without tweaking the existing tax structure. The BMC's total budget estimates for the next financial year are 8.95 per cent more than the last fiscal.

Race for new Pak PM: Shehbaz files nomination; PTI to withdraw lawmakers

Race for new Pak PM: Shehbaz files nomination; PTI to withdraw lawmakers

Rediff.com10 Apr 2022

The move came hours after Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote held early Sunday morning, becoming the first premier in the country's history to be sent home after losing the trust of the House.

Klitschko praises sports bodies for sanctions against Russia, Belarus

Klitschko praises sports bodies for sanctions against Russia, Belarus

Rediff.com3 Mar 2022

Klitschko and his brother Vitali, also a former world heavyweight champion and now the mayor of Kyiv, have both taken up arms against invading Russian forces.

No plan to print currency notes to tide over crisis: Sitharaman

No plan to print currency notes to tide over crisis: Sitharaman

Rediff.com26 Jul 2021

The government has no plan to print currency notes to tide over the current economic crisis triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament on Monday. To a question on whether there is any plan to print currency to tide over the crisis, the finance minister said, "No Sir". Many economists and experts have suggested to the government to print more currency notes to tide over the difficult economic situation with a view to support the economy ravaged by the spread of COVID-19, and protect jobs.

India, Pakistan and the story of lost trading opportunity

India, Pakistan and the story of lost trading opportunity

Rediff.com15 Apr 2021

Despite being a neighbour, Pakistan has never accounted for more than 2 per cent of India's total exports, and its share in India's total imports is less than 1 per cent. On the other hand, bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has increased five times.

Sebi's expert panel to probe glitch at NSE, submit report by March 15

Sebi's expert panel to probe glitch at NSE, submit report by March 15

Rediff.com10 Mar 2021

The Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi's) technical advisory committee has been mandated to probe the trading halt at National Stock Exchange (NSE) and fix accountability. The committee after a detailed examination would send its findings and recommendations to whole-time member Madbhi Puri Buch, to decide the future course of action, said two people in the know. The panel, which is currently chaired by Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras, is learnt to have sought an explanation over two key issues from NSE: One on the effectiveness of interoperability as it was unable to migrate the trading positions; the other on laxity in switching it to the disaster recovery site.

Govt hikes minimum support price for wheat by Rs 40 to Rs 2,015 per quintal

Govt hikes minimum support price for wheat by Rs 40 to Rs 2,015 per quintal

Rediff.com8 Sep 2021

The decision to increase the MSPs (Minimum Support Prices) was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. MSP is the rate at which the government buys the grain from farmers. Currently, the government fixes MSPs for 23 crops grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. Sowing of rabi (winter) crops begins from October immediately after the harvest of kharif (summer) crops.

China's CPC conclave kicks off to authorise unprecedented 3rd term for Prez Xi

China's CPC conclave kicks off to authorise unprecedented 3rd term for Prez Xi

Rediff.com8 Nov 2021

Xi, 68, holds China's all three power centres -- General-Secretary of the CPC, Chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission which is the overall high command of the military, and the Presidency is set to complete his second five-year tenure next year.

RBI rate hike, Fed fears spook markets, Sensex plunges Rs 1300 pts

RBI rate hike, Fed fears spook markets, Sensex plunges Rs 1300 pts

Rediff.com4 May 2022

Equities went into a tailspin on Wednesday after the Reserve Bank surprised the market with a mid-cycle rate hike in a bid to tame soaring inflation.

Cong 'dissenters' write to Sonia? Party denies claim

Cong 'dissenters' write to Sonia? Party denies claim

Rediff.com17 Aug 2020

Suspended Congress leader claims 100 letters to Sonia Gandhi over leadership change

GDP growth in H1 is likely to be negative: Das

GDP growth in H1 is likely to be negative: Das

Rediff.com6 Aug 2020

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said that early containment of the pandemic could impart an "upside" to the economic growth outlook.

Services sector activity slips in Jan; biz confidence hits 6-month low

Services sector activity slips in Jan; biz confidence hits 6-month low

Rediff.com3 Feb 2022

India's services sector activity moderated further in January as new business rose at a noticeably slower rate amid the escalation of the pandemic, reintroduction of restrictions and inflationary pressures, a monthly survey said on Thursday. The seasonally adjusted India Services Business Activity Index fell to 51.5 in January, down from 55.5 in December, pointing to the slowest rate of expansion in the current six-month sequence of growth. For the sixth straight month, the services sector witnessed an expansion in output.

The Pilot who gets co-driver's seat in Rajasthan

The Pilot who gets co-driver's seat in Rajasthan

Rediff.com14 Dec 2018

The man who could well have been a high-level corporate may have to content himself being deputy chief minister. But other challenges await.

The Pilot who helped drive Congress to victory in Rajasthan

The Pilot who helped drive Congress to victory in Rajasthan

Rediff.com11 Dec 2018

The 41-year-old 'young gun' travelled the length and breadth of the state to strengthen the party at the grassroots level and ensure its comeback.

RBI retains growth forecast at 9.5% for FY22

RBI retains growth forecast at 9.5% for FY22

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

The Reserve Bank on Friday retained the GDP forecast for the current financial year at 9.5 per cent and flagged global semiconductor shortages, elevated commodity prices and potential global financial market volatility as downside risks to economic growth. In his address after the three-day meeting of the rate-setting panel, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said recovery in aggregate demand gathered pace in August-September, and it is reflected in high-frequency indicators, like railway freight traffic; port cargo; cement production; electricity demand; e-way bills; GST and toll collections. "The ebbing of infections, together with improving consumer confidence, has been supporting private consumption," he said, and added the pent-up demand and the festival season should give further fillip to urban demand in the second half of the financial year.

Higher petrol, diesel consumption can help govt cut fuel cess: ICRA

Higher petrol, diesel consumption can help govt cut fuel cess: ICRA

Rediff.com25 Jun 2021

A rise in petrol and diesel consumption can help the government cut cesses on the fuels by Rs 4.5 a litre without impacting revenue collections of FY21, and help cool off the pressure on inflation, domestic rating agency ICRA said on Friday. Petrol consumption is estimated to increase 14 per cent in 2021-22 and diesel by 10 per cent on the lower base, rise in mobility and economic recovery, ICRA said. The rating agency added that it will result in an additional Rs 40,000 crore in revenue for the government through higher collections of the cess.

GST Council meet on Friday to discuss cutting tax on Covid medicines

GST Council meet on Friday to discuss cutting tax on Covid medicines

Rediff.com27 May 2021

Ahead of the first meeting of the top decision-making body in nearly eight months, finance ministers of eight states ruled by non-Bharatiya Janata Party and like-minded parties -- Rajasthan, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Kerala and West Bengal -- have devised a joint strategy to press for a zero tax rate on Covid essentials, sources said.

Will 2 Public Sector Banks Be Privatised In 2022?

Will 2 Public Sector Banks Be Privatised In 2022?

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

The government plans to bring down its stake to 26 per cent in these two banks, which are yet to be identified. This may not come in the way of getting investors for these banks, provided the government is willing to step back rather than run them the way it had been doing for over five decades since these banks were nationalised, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Karnataka Congress halts Mekedatu padayatra due to Covid

Karnataka Congress halts Mekedatu padayatra due to Covid

Rediff.com13 Jan 2022

The Congress said it will continue their march once the COVID third wave declines and the curbs are relaxed.

Why RBI Announced Rate Hike In May

Why RBI Announced Rate Hike In May

Rediff.com4 May 2022

In its scheme of things, tackling inflation now comes ahead of ensuring growth in the world's sixth largest economy, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Expect Another Rate Hike In December

Expect Another Rate Hike In December

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

Probably 35 bps. There could be even an encore in February 2023 to take the policy rate to 6.5% before the financial year ends, predicts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Prices shoot up! Tokyo Olympics facing six-fold cost blowout

Prices shoot up! Tokyo Olympics facing six-fold cost blowout

Rediff.com19 Dec 2015

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will cost the host organising committee six times more than their original estimate, and come in at around 1.8 trillion yen ($14.85 billion), public broadcaster NHK said on its website on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Central Vista: PM's residence to be ready by Dec 2022

Central Vista: PM's residence to be ready by Dec 2022

Rediff.com3 May 2021

The redevelopment project of the Central Vista -- the power corridor of the country -- envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a Common Central Secretariat and the revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate and new residences for the prime minister and the vice president.

Rajan slams govt inaction on high profile banking fraudsters

Rajan slams govt inaction on high profile banking fraudsters

Rediff.com11 Sep 2018

Rajan said it is hard to offer an objective self-assessment but the RBI should probably have raised more flags about the quality of lending in the early days of banking exuberance.

LIC valuation delay may push IPO plan beyond FY22

LIC valuation delay may push IPO plan beyond FY22

Rediff.com19 Dec 2021

The government is unlikely to come up with the IPO of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in the current financial year ending March 2022, as the valuation of the state-owned behemoth is taking more than anticipated time, and the preparatory work is still far from complete. There are still some issues that need to be addressed with regard to the valuation of LIC, a senior official of one of the merchant bankers said. Even after the valuation, there are several regulatory processes that have concluded, the official said.